Electrically controlled combustion fluid flow

ABSTRACT

A combustion fluid flow barrier includes an aperture to control combustion fluid flow. The combustion fluid is charged by a charge generator. The combustion fluid flow barrier includes at least one flow control electrode operatively coupled to the aperture and configured to selectively allow, attract, or resist passage of the charged combustion fluid through the aperture, depending on voltage applied to the flow control electrode.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority benefit from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/805,924, entitled “ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLEDCOMBUSTION FLUID FLOW”, filed Mar. 27, 2013; which, to the extent notinconsistent with the disclosure herein, is incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a system for electrically controllingcombustion fluid flow includes a charge generator configured to apply acharge or voltage to a combustion fluid flow corresponding to acombustion reaction, a combustion fluid flow barrier defining at leastone aperture therethrough, at least one flow control electrodeoperatively coupled to the at least one aperture, a voltage sourceoperatively coupled to the flow control electrode, and a controllerconfigured to control an application of one or more voltages from thevoltage source to the flow control electrode.

According to an embodiment, a method for electrically controllingcombustion fluid flow includes outputting electrical charges to acombustion fluid to form a charged combustion fluid, supporting a bodydefining a plurality of apertures aligned to receive a flow of thecharged combustion fluid, applying a control voltage to a controlelectrode disposed adjacent to the plurality of apertures, and affectinga flow of the charged combustion fluid through the plurality ofapertures with an electrical interaction between the charged combustionfluid and the control voltage carried by the control electrode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram of a system for electrically controlling combustionfluid flow, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a diagram of a system for electrically controlling combustionfluid flow, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a flow control electrode including a tubedefining an aperture, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a flow control electrode including a platedisposed adjacent to an aperture, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a flow control electrode including a meshdisposed adjacent to an aperture, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a flow control electrode including a plate and atube in electrical communication with the plate, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a flow control electrode embedded in a combustionfluid flow barrier, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a combustion fluid flow barrier formed as a flamebarrier, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a combustion fluid flow barrier formed as aperforated flame holder, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a combustion fluid flow barrier formed as anexhaust gas recirculation (EGR) barrier, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a combustion fluid flow barrier formed as acombustion air damper, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a method for electrically controllingcombustion fluid flow, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. Other embodiments may be used and/or other changesmay be made without departing from the spirit or scope of thedisclosure.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams of a system 100, 101 for electricallycontrolling combustion fluid flow. The system 100, 101 includes a chargegenerator 102 configured to apply a charge or voltage to a combustionfluid flow corresponding to a combustion reaction 104. A combustionfluid flow barrier 106 defines at least one aperture 108 therethrough.According to embodiments, the combustion fluid flow barrier 106 caninclude a body that defines a plurality of apertures and which forms aperforated flame holder or perforated reaction holder, wherein theplurality of apertures are configured to collectively carry thecombustion reaction 104.

Various embodiments of bodies defining apertures configured tocollectively carry a combustion reaction are contemplated. Somecontemplated embodiments are described in International PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US2014/016626 entitled “SELECTABLE DILUTION LOW NOxBURNER” filed on Feb. 14, 2014, International PCT Patent Application No.PCT/US2014/016628 entitled “PERFORATED FLAME HOLDER AND BURNER INCLUDINGA PERFORATED FLAME HOLDER” filed on Feb. 14, 2014, International PCTPatent Application No. PCT/US2014/016632 entitled “FUEL COMBUSTIONSYSTEM WITH A PERFORATED REACTION HOLDER” filed on Feb. 14, 2014 andInternational PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US14/16622 entitled“STARTUP METHOD AND MECHANISM FOR A BURNER HAVING A PERFORATED FLAMEHOLDER” filed on Feb. 14, 2014; each of which, to the extent notinconsistent with the disclosure herein, is incorporated by reference.

At least one flow control electrode 110 is operatively coupled to the atleast one aperture 108. A voltage source 112 is operatively coupled tothe flow control electrode 110. A controller 114 is configured tocontrol an application of one or more voltages from the voltage source112 to the flow control electrode 110. According to an embodiment, thesystem 100, 101 includes a burner 116.

The charge generator 102 can be configured to apply a charge or voltageat a first polarity to the combustion fluid flow. The controller 114 canbe configured to cause the voltage source 112 to apply a voltage at thefirst polarity to the flow control electrode 110 to impede flow of thecombustion fluid flow through the at least one aperture 108.Additionally or alternatively, the controller 114 can be configured tocause the voltage source 112 to not apply a voltage to the flow controlelectrode 110 to allow flow of the combustion fluid flow through the atleast one aperture 108, can be configured to cause the voltage source112 to hold the flow control electrode 110 at voltage ground to attractflow of the combustion fluid flow through the at least one aperture 108and/or can be configured to cause the voltage source 112 to apply avoltage at a second polarity opposite from the first polarity to theflow control electrode 110 to attract flow of the combustion fluid flowthrough the at least one aperture 108.

Referring to FIG. 1B, according to an embodiment, the controller 114 isconfigured to control the application of charge or voltage to thecombustion fluid flow by the charge generator 102. A second voltagesource 118 can be operatively coupled to the charge generator 102. Thecontroller 114 can also be operatively coupled to the second voltagesource 118. The controller 114 can be configured to control theapplication of voltage from the second voltage source 118 to the chargegenerator 102.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the at least one aperture 108 can includea plurality of apertures 108. The at least one flow control electrode110 can be configured to control combustion fluid flow through theplurality of apertures 108. The plurality of apertures can be configuredto collectively hold a combustion reaction, with the flow controlelectrode(s) being configured to affect the flow rate of fuel and air(examples of combustion fluids) through the plurality of apertures 108.The flow control electrode 110 can include an electrical conductor.According to another embodiment, the flow control electrode 110 caninclude a semiconductor. The flow control electrode 110 can beconfigured to control passage of various combustion fluids through theaperture 108. For example, the flow control electrode 110 may controlpassage of a flame, flue gas, and/or combustion air through the aperture108.

FIGS. 2-6 are diagrams of flow electrodes 110 according to variousembodiments. Referring to the embodiment 200 of FIG. 2, the flow controlelectrode 110 can include a tube 202 defining the aperture 108.Referring to the embodiment 300 of FIG. 3, the flow control electrode110 can include a plate 302 disposed adjacent to the aperture 108.Referring to the embodiment 400 of FIG. 4, the flow control electrode110 can include a mesh 402 disposed adjacent to the aperture 108.Referring to the embodiment 500 of FIG. 5, the flow control electrode110 can include a plate 302 and a tube 202 in electrical communicationwith the plate 302. The tube 202 can define the aperture 108. Referringto the embodiment 600 of FIG. 6, the flow control electrode 110 can beembedded in the combustion fluid flow barrier 106.

Optionally, a counter-electrode can be arranged relative to an energizedelectrode to cause a flow or counter-flow of ionic wind through theaperture(s) 108. For example, the electrode 202 of FIG. 2 can becombined with an electrode 302, 402, shown respectively in FIGS. 3 and4, to form an electrode/counter-electrode pair. Similarly, the electrode302 of FIG. 3 can be combined with the electrode 402 of FIG. 4 as anelectrode/counter-electrode pair. The relative potentials of anelectrode/counter-electrode pair may be interchangeable and may beselected to enhance flow (and thereby entrainment of combustion fluid)through the aperture 108 or to restrict flow (e.g., by “blowingupstream”) of combustion fluid through the aperture 108. Optionally oneof the electrodes may be configured as an ion-emitting (corona)electrode to increase ion density above the ion density provided by acharge generator 102.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a combustion fluid flow barrier 106 formed as aflame barrier 702 configured to separate a primary combustion region 704from a secondary combustion region 706, according to an embodiment 700.The primary combustion region 704 receives primary fuel from a primaryfuel nozzle 708 configured to output a primary fuel jet 710 toward theflame barrier 702. A primary combustion reaction can occur in a regionincluding a groove 712 contiguous with the primary combustion region704. For example, the primary combustion reaction can act as heat sourcefor igniting a secondary combustion reaction. The secondary combustionregion 706 can receive secondary fuel from a secondary fuel nozzle 714configured to output a secondary fuel jet 716 to at least partiallyimpinge on the flame barrier 702. Fuel flow to the primary and secondaryfuel nozzles 708, 714 can be controlled or measured by a fuel valve orflow sensor 718. The fuel valve or flow sensor 718 can be operativelycoupled to a controller 114 configured to control fuel flow via anactuated fuel valve 718 or to receive fuel flow data from a fuel flowsensor 718.

A plurality of apertures 108 form passages 720, 722 between the primarycombustion region 704 and the secondary combustion region 706. Accordingto an embodiment, passage(s) 720 between the primary combustion region704 and the secondary combustion region 706 provide selective heatcommunication between the groove 712 or a surface adjacent to theprimary combustion region 704 and a substantially vertical surface 724of the flame barrier 702. According to another embodiment, a passage 722between the primary combustion region 704 and the secondary combustionregion 706 provides selective communication between the primarycombustion region 704 and a substantially horizontal surface 726 of theflame barrier 702. The substantially horizontal surface 726 can act as asecondary flame holding surface. Embodiments can include both horizontalpassages 720 and vertical passages 722.

In the embodiment 700, the flow control electrode(s) 110 is configuredto control ignition in the secondary combustion region 706.

The combustion fluid flow barrier 106 can include a bluff bodyconfigured to selectively support a flame (corresponding to thesecondary combustion reaction, not shown). The flow control electrode110 is configured to cause the flame to be supported by the bluff bodywhen the combustion fluid is attracted or allowed to flow through the atleast one aperture 108, 720, 722. The flow control electrode 110 is alsoconfigured to cause the flame to not be supported by the bluff body whenthe combustion fluid is impeded from flowing through the at least oneaperture 108, 720, 722. In operation, a charge generator 102 isenergized by the voltage source 112 to cause the primary combustionreaction to carry a charge or voltage at a first polarity. Duringstart-up, for example, the flow control electrodes can be raised to avoltage having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity to causeflames from the primary combustion reaction to flow through theaperture(s) 108, 720, 722 to ignite a secondary combustion reactionproximate to the combustion fluid barrier 702 and to be held by thesurface 726. After the system is warmed up, it may be desirable toignite the secondary combustion reaction at a different location. Forexample, delaying ignition can allow greater secondary fuel dilution,which can result in lower oxides of nitrogen (NOx) output. To delayignition, the controller 114 can cause the voltage source 112 toelectrically energize the flow control electrode(s) 110 to a voltagehaving the same polarity as the charge applied to the primary combustionreaction by the charge generator(s) 102. Applying a repelling voltage tothe flow control electrode(s) 110 can act to effectively increaseresistance to combustion fluid (in this case, flame) flow through theaperture(s) 720, 722, thus reducing the probability of the primarycombustion reaction delivering sufficient heat to the secondarycombustion reaction to ignite the secondary combustion reactionproximate the surfaces 724, 726 of the flame barrier 702.

According to embodiments, the charge polarity placed on the primarycombustion reaction by the charge generator(s) 102 can include analternating charge. The flow control electrode(s) 110 can operatesimilarly to the description above by placing an in-phase voltage on theflow control electrode(s) 110 to reduce primary flame penetration of theflame barrier 702, or by placing an approximately 180° out-of-phasevoltage on the flow control electrode(s) 110 to increase primary flamepenetration of the flame barrier 702.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an embodiment 800 wherein the combustion fluidflow barrier 106 includes a perforated flame holder 802 configured tohold a flame corresponding to the combustion reaction 104, according toan embodiment. For example, the perforated flame holder 802 of theembodiment 800 can be combined with the embodiment 700 shown in FIG. 7by supporting the perforated flame holder 802 above the flame barrier702. The perforated flame holder 802 was found to support a lowerNOx-output combustion reaction than a combustion reaction held by thetop surface 726 of the flame barrier 702.

The at least one aperture 108 can include a plurality of perforations804 defined by the perforated flame holder 802. The controller 114 canbe configured to cause the at least one flow control electrode 110 toselectively impede combustion fluid flow through the plurality ofperforations 804 to cause the flame to be held at the edges of theperforated flame holder 802, and can also be configured to cause the atleast one flow control electrode 110 to selectively allow or attractcombustion fluid flow through the plurality of perforations 804 to causethe flame to flow through the perforations 804. For example, thecontroller 114 can be configured to cause the at least one flow controlelectrode 110 to selectively impede combustion fluid flow through aportion of the perforations 804 corresponding to a fuel turn-down. Forexample, the controller 114 can be configured to cause the at least oneflow control electrode 110 to selectively allow and/or attractcombustion fluid to flow through all or a portion of the perforations804 proportional to a fuel flow rate.

According to embodiments, the charge polarity placed on fuel, air,flame, or other combustion fluid flow by the charge generator(s) 102 caninclude an alternating charge. The flow control electrode(s) 110 canoperate similarly to the description above by placing an in-phasevoltage on the flow control electrode(s) 110 to reduce flow through theperforations 804 in the flame holder 802, or by placing an approximately180° out-of-phase voltage on the flow control electrode(s) 110 toincrease flow through the perforations 804 in the flame holder 802.

FIG. 9 is a sectional diagram of a combustion fluid flow barrier 106formed as an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) barrier 902 configured toselectively recycle flue gases 904 from a combustion reaction 104,according to an embodiment 900. The aperture 108 can include a pluralityof apertures 108 defined by the EGR barrier 902. A controller 114 can beconfigured to cause the flow control electrode 110 to selectively impedecombustion fluid flow through the plurality of apertures 108 to causethe EGR barrier 902 to increase a proportion of flue gases recycling tothe combustion reaction 104. Similarly, the controller 114 can beconfigured to cause the flow control electrode 110 to selectively allowand/or attract combustion fluid flow through the plurality of apertures108 to reduce the portion of flue gases recycled to the combustionreaction 104. The controller 114 can be configured to cause the at leastone flow control electrode 110 to selectively impede combustion fluidflow through a portion of the apertures 108 corresponding to a fuelturn-down, to selectively allow combustion fluid flow through a portionof the apertures 108 proportional to a fuel flow rate, and/orselectively attract combustion fluid flow through a portion of theapertures 108 proportional to a fuel flow rate.

According to embodiments, the charge polarity placed on the primarycombustion reaction by the charge generator(s) 102 can include analternating charge. The flow control electrode(s) 110 can operatesimilarly to the description above by placing an in-phase voltage on theflow control electrode(s) 110 to decrease exhaust gases penetrating theEGR barrier 902 to increase the portion of recycled exhaust gases.Similarly, placing an approximately 180° out-of-phase voltage on theflow control electrode(s) 110 will increase exhaust gas flow through theEGR barrier 902 to decrease the portion of recycled exhaust gases 904.

FIG. 10 is a sectional diagram of a combustion fluid flow barrier 106including a combustion air damper 1002 configured to select a rate ofcombustion air flow 1004 to a combustion reaction 104, according to anembodiment 1000. The at least one aperture 108 can include a pluralityof apertures 108 defined by the combustion air damper 1002. A controller114 can be configured to cause the at least one flow control electrode110 to selectively impede combustion air flow through the plurality ofapertures 108 to cause the combustion air damper 1002 to reduce the rateof combustion air flow 1004 to the combustion reaction 104. Similarly,the controller 114 can be configured to cause the at least one flowcontrol electrode 110 to selectively allow or attract combustion fluid(combustion air) flow through the plurality of apertures 108 to causethe combustion air damper 1002 to increase a rate of combustion airflowing to the combustion reaction 104. Additionally or alternatively,the controller 114 can be configured to cause the at least one flowcontrol electrode 110 to selectively impede, allow, or attractcombustion air flow through a portion of the apertures 108 correspondingto a fuel turn-down. According to an embodiment of the system 1000 (asillustrated in FIG. 10), the flow control electrode(s) 110 can beconfigured to control a flow of combustion air (or (not shown) gaseousfuel) into a mixing volume 1006 of a premixer configured to support apremixed combustion reaction 104.

As with the embodiments described above, the charge polarity placed inthe combustion air by the charge generator(s) 102 can include analternating charge. The flow control electrode(s) 110 can operatesimilarly to the description above by placing an in-phase voltage on theflow control electrode(s) 110 to decrease combustion air flow throughthe combustion air damper 1002, or by placing an approximately 180°out-of-phase voltage on the flow control electrode(s) 110 to increasecombustion air flow through the combustion air damper 1002.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a method 1100 for electricallycontrolling combustion fluid flow, according to an embodiment. Beginningat step 1102, electrical charges are output to a combustion fluid toform a charged combustion fluid. Proceeding to step 1104 a body issupported defining a plurality of apertures aligned to receive a flow ofthe charged combustion fluid. Proceeding to step 1110, a control voltageis applied to a control electrode disposed adjacent to the plurality ofapertures. Finally, in step 1112, a flow of the charged combustion fluidthrough the plurality of apertures is affected with an electricalinteraction between the charged combustion fluid and the control voltagecarried by the control electrode.

Outputting electrical charges into a combustion fluid in step 1102 caninclude emitting charges with a corona electrode into a non-conductivecombustion fluid. For example, the charges can be emitted into fuel,air, or a fuel and air mixture upstream from the apertures and controlelectrode. According to another embodiment, outputting electricalcharges into a combustion fluid includes conducting charges from acharge electrode into a conductive combustion fluid. For example acharge generator can include a charge electrode that is in contact witha flame. Flames are relatively conductive.

The charged combustion fluid can include a fuel mixture, such as a fueland air mixture. The charged combustion fluid can additionally oralternatively include a flue gas. The charged combustion fluid canadditionally or alternatively include combustion air. The chargedcombustion fluid can additionally or alternatively include a flame.

As described above, various control scenarios are contemplated.

In one embodiment, outputting electrical charges to the combustion fluidincludes outputting electrical charges having a first polarity andapplying a control voltage to the control electrode includes applying avoltage at a second polarity the same as the first polarity. Affecting aflow of the charged combustion fluid through the plurality of apertureswith an electrical interaction between the charged combustion fluid andthe control voltage carried by the control electrode can includeelectrostatically repelling the electrical charges from the controlelectrode to attenuate the flow of charged combustion fluid through theapertures.

In another embodiment, outputting electrical charges to the combustionfluid includes outputting electrical charges having a first polarity andapplying a control voltage to the control electrode comprises applying avoltage at a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. Affecting aflow of the charged combustion fluid through the plurality of apertureswith an electrical interaction between the charged combustion fluid andthe control voltage carried by the control electrode can includeelectrostatically attracting the electrical charges to the controlelectrode to enhance the flow of charged combustion fluid through theapertures.

In another embodiment, outputting electrical charges to the combustionfluid includes outputting electrical charges having a first polarity andapplying a control voltage to the control electrode includes applying avoltage ground to the control electrode. Affecting a flow of the chargedcombustion fluid through the plurality of apertures with an electricalinteraction between the charged combustion fluid and the control voltagecarried by the control electrode can include electrostaticallyattracting the electrical charges to the control electrode to enhancethe flow of charged combustion fluid through the apertures.

The method 1100 can further include operating a voltage source to outputthe control voltage.

Optionally, the method 1100 can include step 1106, wherein a combustionparameter is sensed. The method can also include step 1108, wherein thecontrol voltage is selected responsive to the sensed combustionparameter. The control voltage can be set by controller and/or can bemanually set by a system operator.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects andembodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and arenot intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit beingindicated by the following claims.

1. A system for electrically controlling combustion fluid flow,comprising: a charge generator configured to apply a charge or voltageto a combustion fluid flow corresponding to a combustion reaction; acombustion fluid flow barrier defining at least one aperturetherethrough; at least one flow control electrode operatively coupled tothe at least one aperture; a voltage source operatively coupled to theflow control electrode; and a controller configured to control anapplication of one or more voltages from the voltage source to the flowcontrol electrode.
 2. The system for electrically controlling combustionfluid flow of claim 1, further comprising a burner.
 3. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 1, wherein thecharge generator is configured to apply a charge or voltage at a firstpolarity to the combustion fluid flow; and wherein the controller isconfigured to cause the voltage source to apply a voltage at the firstpolarity to the flow control electrode to impede flow of the combustionfluid flow through the at least one aperture.
 4. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 1, wherein thecharge generator is configured to apply a charge or voltage at a firstpolarity to the combustion fluid flow; and wherein the controller isconfigured to cause the voltage source to not apply a voltage to theflow control electrode to allow flow of the combustion fluid flowthrough the at least one aperture.
 5. The system for electricallycontrolling combustion fluid flow of claim 1, wherein the chargegenerator is configured to apply a charge or voltage at a first polarityto the combustion fluid flow; and wherein the controller is configuredto cause the voltage source to hold the flow control electrode atvoltage ground to attract flow of the combustion fluid flow through theat least one aperture.
 6. The system for electrically controllingcombustion fluid flow of claim 1, wherein the charge generator isconfigured to apply a charge or voltage at a first polarity to thecombustion fluid flow; and wherein the controller is configured to causethe voltage source to apply a voltage at a second polarity opposite fromthe first polarity to the flow control electrode to attract flow of thecombustion fluid flow through the at least one aperture.
 7. The systemfor electrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 1, whereinthe controller and the voltage source are operatively coupled to thecharge generator; and wherein the controller is configured to controlthe application of charge or voltage to the combustion fluid flow by thecharge generator.
 8. The system for electrically controlling combustionfluid flow of claim 1, further comprising: a second voltage sourceoperatively coupled to the charge generator.
 9. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 1, furthercomprising: a second voltage source operatively coupled to the chargegenerator and the controller; and wherein the controller is configuredto control the application of voltage from the second voltage source tothe charge generator.
 10. The system for electrically controllingcombustion fluid flow of claim 1, wherein the at least one aperturecomprises a plurality of apertures; and wherein the at least one flowcontrol electrode is configured is configured to control combustionfluid flow through the plurality of apertures.
 11. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 1, wherein theflow control electrode comprises an electrical conductor.
 12. The systemfor electrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 1, whereinthe flow control electrode comprises a semiconductor.
 13. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 1, wherein theflow control electrode is configured to control passage of a flamethrough the at least one aperture.
 14. The system for electricallycontrolling combustion fluid flow of claim 1, wherein the flow controlelectrode is configured to control passage of a flue gas through the atleast one aperture.
 15. The system for electrically controllingcombustion fluid flow of claim 1, wherein the flow control electrode isconfigured to control passage of combustion air through the at least oneaperture.
 16. The system for electrically controlling combustion fluidflow of claim 1, wherein the flow control electrode comprises a tubedefining the aperture.
 17. The system for electrically controllingcombustion fluid flow of claim 1, wherein the flow control electrodecomprises a plate disposed adjacent to the at least one aperture. 18.The system for electrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim1, wherein the flow control electrode comprises a mesh disposed adjacentto the at least one aperture.
 19. The system for electricallycontrolling combustion fluid flow of claim 1, wherein the flow controlelectrode comprises a plate and a tube in electrical communication withthe plate; wherein the tube defines the at least one aperture.
 20. Thesystem for electrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 1,wherein the flow control electrode is embedded in the combustion fluidflow barrier.
 21. The system for electrically controlling combustionfluid flow of claim 1, wherein the combustion fluid flow barriercomprises a flame barrier configured to separate a primary combustionregion from at least one secondary combustion region.
 22. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 21, wherein theat least one aperture forms a passage between the primary combustionregion and the secondary combustion region.
 23. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 21, wherein theat least one aperture forms a passage between the primary combustionregion and the secondary combustion region; wherein the flow controlelectrode is operatively coupled to the passage between the primarycombustion region and the secondary combustion region.
 24. The systemfor electrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 21, whereinthe at least one aperture forms a passage between the primary combustionregion and the secondary combustion region; wherein the flow controlelectrode is configured to control ignition in the secondary combustionregion.
 25. The system for electrically controlling combustion fluidflow of claim 1, wherein the combustion gas flow barrier comprises abluff body configured to selectively support a flame; wherein the flowcontrol electrode is configured to cause the flame to be supported bythe bluff body when the combustion fluid is attracted or allowed to flowthrough the at least one aperture.
 26. The system for electricallycontrolling combustion fluid flow of claim 1, wherein the combustion gasflow barrier comprises a bluff body configured to selectively support aflame; wherein the flow control electrode is configured to cause theflame to not be supported by the bluff body when the combustion fluid isimpeded from flowing through the at least one aperture.
 27. The systemfor electrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 1, whereinthe combustion fluid flow barrier comprises a perforated flame holderconfigured to selectively hold a flame comprising the combustionreaction; and wherein the at least one aperture includes a plurality ofperforations defined by the perforated flame holder.
 28. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 27, wherein thecontroller is configured to cause the at least one flow controlelectrode to selectively impede combustion fluid flow through theplurality of perforations to cause the flame to be held at the edges ofthe perforated flame holder.
 29. The system for electrically controllingcombustion fluid flow of claim 27, wherein the controller is configuredto cause the at least one flow control electrode to selectively allowcombustion fluid flow through the plurality of perforations to cause theflame to flow through the perforations.
 30. The system for electricallycontrolling combustion fluid flow of claim 27, wherein the controller isconfigured to cause the at least one flow control electrode toselectively attract combustion fluid flow through the plurality ofperforations to cause the flame to flow through the perforations. 31.The system for electrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim27, wherein the controller is configured to cause the at least one flowcontrol electrode to selectively impede combustion fluid flow through aportion of the perforations corresponding to a fuel turn-down.
 32. Thesystem for electrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 27,wherein the controller is configured to cause the at least one flowcontrol electrode to selectively allow combustion fluid flow through aportion of the perforations proportional to a fuel flow rate.
 33. Thesystem for electrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 27,wherein the controller is configured to cause the at least one flowcontrol electrode to selectively attract combustion fluid flow through aportion of the perforations proportional to a fuel flow rate.
 34. Thesystem for electrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 1,wherein the combustion fluid flow barrier comprises an exhaust gasrecirculation (EGR) barrier configured to selectively recycle flue gasesfrom the combustion reaction; and wherein the at least one apertureincludes a plurality of apertures defined by the EGR barrier.
 35. Thesystem for electrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 34,wherein the controller is configured to cause the at least one flowcontrol electrode to selectively impede combustion fluid flow throughthe plurality of apertures to cause the EGR barrier to cause flue gasesto recycle to the combustion reaction.
 36. The system for electricallycontrolling combustion fluid flow of claim 34, wherein the controller isconfigured to cause the at least one flow control electrode toselectively allow combustion fluid flow through the plurality ofapertures to cause the EGR barrier to cause a reduced portion of fluegases to recycle to the combustion reaction.
 37. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 34, wherein thecontroller is configured to cause the at least one flow controlelectrode to selectively attract combustion fluid flow through theplurality of apertures to cause the EGR barrier to not cause a portionof flue gases to recycle to the combustion reaction.
 38. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 34, wherein thecontroller is configured to cause the at least one flow controlelectrode to selectively impede combustion fluid flow through a portionof the apertures corresponding to a fuel turn-down.
 39. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 34, wherein thecontroller is configured to cause the at least one flow controlelectrode to selectively allow combustion fluid flow through a portionof the apertures proportional to a fuel flow rate.
 40. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 34, wherein thecontroller is configured to cause the at least one flow controlelectrode to selectively attract combustion fluid flow through a portionof the apertures proportional to a fuel flow rate.
 41. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 1, wherein thecombustion fluid flow barrier comprises a combustion air damperconfigured to select a rate of combustion air flow to the combustionreaction; and wherein the at least one aperture includes a plurality ofapertures defined by the combustion air damper.
 42. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 41, wherein thecontroller is configured to cause the at least one flow controlelectrode to selectively impede combustion air flow through theplurality of apertures to cause the combustion air damper to reduce therate of combustion air flow to the combustion reaction.
 43. The systemfor electrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 41, whereinthe controller is configured to cause the at least one flow controlelectrode to selectively allow combustion fluid flow through theplurality of apertures to cause the combustion air damper to allowcombustion air to flow to the combustion reaction.
 44. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 41, wherein thecontroller is configured to cause the at least one flow controlelectrode to selectively attract combustion fluid flow through theplurality of apertures to cause the combustion air damper to increasecombustion air flow to the combustion reaction.
 45. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 41, wherein thecontroller is configured to cause the at least one flow controlelectrode to selectively impede combustion fluid flow through a portionof the apertures corresponding to a fuel turn-down.
 46. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 41, wherein thecontroller is configured to cause the at least one flow controlelectrode to selectively allow combustion fluid flow through a portionof the apertures proportional to a fuel flow rate.
 47. The system forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 41, wherein thecontroller is configured to cause the at least one flow controlelectrode to selectively attract combustion fluid flow through a portionof the apertures proportional to a fuel flow rate.
 48. A method forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow, comprising: outputtingelectrical charges to a combustion fluid to form a charged combustionfluid; supporting a body defining a plurality of apertures aligned toreceive a flow of the charged combustion fluid; applying a controlvoltage to a control electrode disposed adjacent to the plurality ofapertures; and affecting a flow of the charged combustion fluid throughthe plurality of apertures with an electrical interaction between thecharged combustion fluid and the control voltage carried by the controlelectrode.
 49. The method for electrically controlling combustion fluidflow of claim 48, wherein outputting electrical charges into acombustion fluid further comprises: emitting charges with a coronaelectrode into a non-conductive combustion fluid.
 50. The method forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 48, whereinoutputting electrical charges into a combustion fluid further comprises:conducting charges from a charge electrode into a conductive combustionfluid.
 51. The method for electrically controlling combustion fluid flowof claim 48, wherein the charged combustion fluid comprises a fuelmixture.
 52. The method for electrically controlling combustion fluidflow of claim 51, wherein the charged combustion fluid comprises a fueland air mixture.
 53. The method for electrically controlling combustionfluid flow of claim 48, wherein the charged combustion fluid comprises aflue gas.
 54. The method for electrically controlling combustion fluidflow of claim 48, wherein the charged combustion fluid comprisescombustion air.
 55. The method for electrically controlling combustionfluid flow of claim 48, wherein the charged combustion fluid comprises aflame.
 56. The method for electrically controlling combustion fluid flowof claim 48, wherein outputting electrical charges to the combustionfluid comprises outputting electrical charges having a first polarity;wherein applying a control voltage to the control electrode comprisesapplying a voltage at a second polarity the same as the first polarity;and wherein affecting a flow of the charged combustion fluid through theplurality of apertures with an electrical interaction between thecharged combustion fluid and the control voltage carried by the controlelectrode comprises electrostatically repelling the electrical chargesfrom the control electrode to attenuate the flow of charged combustionfluid through the apertures.
 57. The method for electrically controllingcombustion fluid flow of claim 48, wherein outputting electrical chargesto the combustion fluid comprises outputting electrical charges having afirst polarity; wherein applying a control voltage to the controlelectrode comprises applying a voltage at a second polarity opposite tothe first polarity; and wherein affecting a flow of the chargedcombustion fluid through the plurality of apertures with an electricalinteraction between the charged combustion fluid and the control voltagecarried by the control electrode comprises electrostatically attractingthe electrical charges to the control electrode to enhance the flow ofcharged combustion fluid through the apertures.
 58. The method forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 48, whereinoutputting electrical charges to the combustion fluid comprisesoutputting electrical charges having a first polarity; wherein applyinga control voltage to the control electrode comprises applying a voltageground to the control electrode; and wherein affecting a flow of thecharged combustion fluid through the plurality of apertures with anelectrical interaction between the charged combustion fluid and thecontrol voltage carried by the control electrode compriseselectrostatically attracting the electrical charges to the controlelectrode to enhance the flow of charged combustion fluid through theapertures.
 59. The method for electrically controlling combustion fluidflow of claim 48, further comprising: operating a voltage source tooutput the control voltage.
 60. The method for electrically controllingcombustion fluid flow of claim 48, further comprising: sensing acombustion parameter; and selecting the control voltage responsive tothe sensed combustion parameter.
 61. The system for electricallycontrolling combustion fluid flow of claim 1, wherein the flow barrieris non-metallic.
 62. The system for electrically controlling combustionfluid flow of claim 61, wherein the at least one electrode is mounted onthe flow barrier.
 63. The system for electrically controlling combustionfluid flow of claim 62, comprising plural electrodes.
 64. The method forelectrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 48, wherein thebody is non-metallic.
 65. The method for electrically controllingcombustion fluid flow of claim 64, wherein the electrode is mounted onthe body.
 66. The method for electrically controlling combustion fluidflow of claim 65, wherein the control electrode comprises pluralelectrodes.
 67. The system for electrically controlling combustion fluidflow of claim 1, wherein the combustion fluid further comprises fuel.68. The method for electrically controlling combustion fluid flow ofclaim 48, wherein the combustion fluid further comprises fuel.
 69. Themethod for electrically controlling combustion fluid flow of claim 48,wherein the body further comprises a perforated flame holder.